"I believe in item songs. Today these numbers have a prestige in a way. People do ask or are curious to know if there is any item song in the film. It has a strong capacity to push a film," Sameera told PTI in an interview.
"More than a marketing gimmick I would look at it (item song) as a different way of promoting films. A song cannot be a gimmick as it requires talent and hard work. But if it is placed wrongly, then it can be called that way," she added
Citing an example, Sameera, 29, says in 'Agneepath' there was so much drama in the film but the item song ('Chikni Chameli') stood out on its own and was liked by audience.
Since a lot of emphasis is given on an item song, Sameera feels there is pressure on girls performing it. "I feel there is a lot of pressure, as we have to do an item song to our best and look the best. There have been a lot of numbers in recent past, so there will be comparisons and everyone wants their song to be the best," she said.
Sameera said that she is grateful that Jha approached her for the song. "Prakash Jha called me saying there is an item song in the film and that I was the only choice for it. For me that was flattering. I definitely wanted to do it," Sameera said.
"Whoever has seen the song has liked it. He is a big filmmaker and one has to trust his judgement," she added.
While 'Chakravyuh' deals with a serious issue of naxalism, Sameera feels the item song in the film will not divert the attention and that it goes with the story line.
"The song justifies its presence. The placement is perfect. There is a situation and it is a part of the script. It makes perfect sense to have it," she said adding that "Prakash Jha is an intense filmmaker, he is a perfectionist. He would never have a song just for the sake of it."
The item song 'Kunda Khol' is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and is choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. "It is a very energetic song. It was exhausting for me as Ganesh Acharya really made me dance for it. It has a rustic feel. I was asked to put on dusky make-up, keep the clothes simple and not look overtly styled," Sameera said.
Starring Arjun Rampal, Abhay Deol, Manoj Bajpai, Esha Gupta and Anjali Patil, 'Chakravyuh' releases on October 24.